Re: [CR] Classic Compact Cranksets

(Example: Framebuilders:Richard Moon)

Date: Sun, 2 May 2010 10:51:51 -0500
From: "earle.young tds.net" <earle.young@tds.net>
To: thomasthomasa@yahoo.com, classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Classic Compact Cranksets


Tom said, "Don't forget the patriarch of the 110 mm bolt circle, the Sugino Mighty Tour, taking rings down to 34 teeth and fitting on a Campy BB.? And of course you can run compact style rings on the TA Cyclotouriste and the Stronglight 99 if you want to pass up the triple option.? But all compact doubles required a competent long cage rear derailleur able to wrap lots of chain, like the Suntour VXGT or Shimano Crane GS.? So I?don't think this was a viable option until, what, 1973?"

The way to use a compact crank is not only to go with a small inside ring, but a smaller outside ring, so that you can stay within the shifting capacity of a shorter cage, faster shifting derailleur. A 34 - 46 combination in front, with just a 12-tooth difference, works very well with a 13-26 cluster and a short cage derailleur. I like Simplex Super LJ for most things, because it is spring top and bottom, and will wrap just enough extra chain to function well with this setup.

And if Dale won't remind people, I will put out a gentle reminder that C-Record, Victory and Triomphe are all post-1983.

Earle Young
Madison, Wisc.